Intracranial pressure monitoring system

Abstract

A first valve has a first input port and first and second output ports with the first output port adapted for connection to a drainage collection bag. A tube connects the input port of the first valve to a patient. A second valve has an input port connected to the second output port of the first valve. A dome member has a first opening for connection with an output port of the second valve, a second opening for receiving a pressure transducer, and a third opening for permitting balancing of the system. Through this configuration, the drainage collection bag is located before the pressure sensor, but at a maximum distance from the patient to reduce the risk of infection. An automatic relief valve may replace the second valve to provide for automatic venting of dangerously high levels of intracranial fluids.

What is claim is: 
     
       1. A system for monitoring intracranial pressure and draining intracranial fluid comprising: a drainage collection means;   first valve means having an input port and first and second output ports, said first output port being connected to said drainage collection means;   tubing for connecting said input port of said first valve means to a patient, said tubing having a length sufficient to reduce the risk of infection;   second valve means having an input port connected to said second output port of said first valve means, and an output port;   a pressure transducer; and   a dome member having a first opening connected to said output port of said second valve means, a second opening connected to said pressure transducer, and a third opening through which the system can be balanced;   the system defining a fluid communication path between the patient and said pressure transducer wherein said pressure transducer and said dome member are in a downstream position along said path relative to said drainage collection means.   
     
     
       2. The system of claim 1 wherein the angle between said first and second openings of said dome member is substantially ninety degrees. 
     
     
       3. The system of claim 1 wherein said drainage collection means includes a calibrated drip chamber capable of providing an indication of the amount of fluid drained. 
     
     
       4. The system of claim 3 additionally comprising a calibrated collection bag connected to said drip chamber through a valve means such that the contents of said drip chamber can be periodically emptied into said collection bag. 
     
     
       5. The system of claim 1 additionally comprising an irrigation flash bulb means in-line with said tubing. 
     
     
       6. The system of claim 1 additionally comprising third value means located proximate to the patient, said third valve means having an input port and a first output port, both of which being in-line with said tubing, said third valve means having a second output port for one of taking samples and dwelling medications. 
     
     
       7. The system of claim 6 wherein said first, second and third valve means include first, second and third three port stopcocks. 
     
     
       8. The system of claim 1 wherein said first and second valve means are an integral unit. 
     
     
       9. The system of claim 1 wherein said first valve means is a relief valve responsive to the pressure exerted by the intracranial fluid so as to automatically open to drain the fluid into said drainage collection means.